Hastings Rambling Club

Published:09:00Thursday 29 May 2014

IN April the club held its AGM which passed without significant discussion, although the annual appeal was made for new walk leaders. It was noted that most walks are now starting in the morning, but this is ultimately at the discretion of the respective walk-leaders.

March and April saw walks taking place in a diverse range of venues; Udimore, Rye, Cowbeech, East Hoathly, Pett, Peasmarsh, Appledore, Hooe, Pevensey, Alexandra Park, and Battle. There was also a bird-watching walk through Alexandra Park which was informative and interesting. Our thanks to Ivor for leading this.

On Sunday members welcomed a delegation from Bexhill Ramblers for the clubs coach/walking tour in Windsor. This comprised a delightful morning walk along the Thames Path from Datchet (now free of flood water) to Windsor. Unbeknown to walk organisers David and Martin, the date coincided with the Royal Windsor Horse Show, resulting in members sharing the towpath with numerous highly polished and dressed horse drawn carriages, which turned out to be a novel experience. The afternoon was taken up with a six-mile walk through Windsor Great Park and The Long Walk towards Windsor Castle, beautiful in the sunshine but never seeming to get any closer.

Due to the unexpected but very welcome warmth, some members eschewed the walk for the opportunity to explore Windsor itself. Our thanks to coach driver Darren for humouring our idiosyncrasies.

Forthcoming walks are June 1; Sedlescombe, 10 miles, June 8; Winchelsea, five miles, June 15; Catsfield six miles, June 29.

Sunday, June 22 is the date of the club’s 60th anniversary walk and tea. Members are reminded to book through the Social Secretary for catering purposes.

Further ahead, there is a Strawberry Tea scheduled for late June, but please pre-check with the Social Secretary as this may be subject to change. The summer barbecue will take place July 12 in Battle, details per members’ newsletter.

Membership currently costs £7 per year and new members are always welcome. Non-drivers can be accommodated on walks by pre-arrangement.There is also the chance to try a walk without commitment for a token fee 50p.

For more details contact the club secretary on Hastings 421146.

You can visit us at www.ramblingclubs.com/ramblingclubs.php/East_Sussex/25/2/ or e-mail to hastingsramblers@hotmail.co.uk.